Deliver Me From Evil! (Prayer Of Jabez) Series

DELIVER ME FROM EVIL!

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Chronicles 4:9-10

"And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested."

Supporting Texts: Matthew 6:13, Psalm 34:17, 2 Thessalonians 3:3, Isaiah 54:17, Luke 10:19

INTRODUCTION

Jabez’s prayer is one of the most remarkable prayers in the Bible. In his plea to God, he recognised the presence of evil and cried out for deliverance. He understood that evil has the power to hinder progress, bring pain, and delay destinies. Thus, he prayed, “Keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me.”

Many believers today face different forms of evil—spiritual attacks, afflictions, limitations, and unseen battles. The enemy constantly seeks to derail God’s people through sin, oppression, and discouragement. However, just as Jabez cried out for deliverance, we too can seek God's intervention.

This sermon will examine how evil operates, the power of prayer in overcoming it, and how we, like Jabez, can walk in victory through divine protection. May the Lord arise and deliver us from every evil!

1. RECOGNISING THE PRESENCE OF EVIL

Evil is a force that seeks to hinder God’s plans in the lives of His people. Jabez understood this and made it a point in his prayer to ask for deliverance.

a) Evil Brings Pain and Sorrow (Genesis 6:5-6)

Jabez associated evil with grief. Wherever evil prevails, sorrow, loss, and suffering follow.

b) The Enemy Seeks to Destroy Destinies (John 10:10)

The devil’s goal is to steal, kill, and destroy, just as he attempts to divert people from God’s purpose.

c) Evil Works Through Various Channels (Ephesians 6:12)

The enemy uses different means—temptations, demonic attacks, and human opposition—to bring evil upon believers.

d) Ignoring Evil is Dangerous (1 Peter 5:8)

Many fall into destruction because they are not vigilant against the enemy’s schemes.

e) Biblical Example: Job experienced satanic attacks, but because of God’s intervention, his latter end was greater than his beginning (Job 42:12-13).

2. THE POWER OF PRAYER IN OVERCOMING EVIL

Jabez did not rely on his strength; he called on God for deliverance. Prayer is a mighty weapon against evil.

a) Prayer Invokes Divine Protection (Psalm 91:10-11)

When we pray, God assigns His angels to shield us from the attacks of the enemy.

b) Prayer Cancels the Works of Darkness (Isaiah 54:17)

No weapon formed against us shall prosper when we seek God's intervention.

c) Prayer Strengthens Our Spiritual Defences (Ephesians 6:18)

A prayerful believer is equipped to withstand the enemy’s assaults.

d) Prayer Brings Victory Over the Enemy (Luke 10:19)

Jesus has given us authority to trample over every power of the enemy.

e) Biblical Example: Hezekiah prayed, and God delivered him and Judah from the invasion of Sennacherib (2 Kings 19:14-20, 35).

3. WALKING IN GOD’S DIVINE PROTECTION

Jabez’s request for deliverance from evil was not just about avoiding attacks but about walking under God's covering daily.

a) Stay in God’s Presence (Psalm 91:1)

Those who abide in God’s presence are shielded from danger.

b) Obedience Keeps Us Safe (Deuteronomy 28:7)

When we obey God’s Word, He fights our battles and causes our enemies to flee.

c) Faith Overcomes Fear (2 Timothy 1:7)

Fear is a tool of the enemy, but faith in God assures us of His protection.

d) The Blood of Jesus is Our Covering (Revelation 12:11)

Through the blood of Jesus, we are protected and victorious.

e) Biblical Example: The Israelites were spared from the plagues of Egypt because of the blood of the lamb (Exodus 12:13).

4. HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR DELIVERANCE

It is not enough to be delivered from evil; we must remain in God’s protection to avoid future attacks.

a) Guard Your Heart (Proverbs 4:23)

The enemy often uses thoughts and desires to lead people back into bondage.

b) Be Watchful and Disciplined (1 Corinthians 16:13)

A careless believer becomes a target for the enemy.

c) Live a Life of Holiness (James 4:7)

When we submit to God, the devil has no legal ground in our lives.

d) Keep Growing Spiritually (Colossians 2:6-7)

The deeper we grow in Christ, the stronger we become against the enemy’s schemes.

e) Biblical Example: The man at Bethesda was warned by Jesus to “sin no more” after he was healed, lest a worse thing happen to him (John 5:14).

5. TRUSTING GOD FOR TOTAL VICTORY

Jabez’s prayer ended in victory because God granted his request. We must have the same confidence that God will deliver us from every evil.

a) God is Faithful to Deliver (2 Thessalonians 3:3)

He has promised to guard us from all evil and keep us secure.